Running out of space on Google Drive despite deleting files? It’s a common frustration, but there’s a straightforward reason behind it. When you delete files on Google Drive, they aren’t instantly removed from your storage. Instead, they’re moved to the Trash, where they still occupy space until they’re permanently deleted.
This precautionary measure by Google ensures that important files aren’t lost accidentally. Deleted files remain in the Trash for up to 30 days before they’re automatically purged, giving you ample time to recover them if needed.
If you need to reclaim storage immediately, you can take action right away. Simply navigate to Google Drive on your web browser, locate the Trash in the sidebar, and click on “Empty trash.” Confirm by selecting “Delete forever,” and all items in the Trash will be permanently erased. This quick step will instantly free up space in your Google Drive account, allowing you to continue managing your files efficiently.
